Last Name Lamb

The surname Lamb is of Old English origin and is derived from one of two sources. It could originate from a nickname for a strong or vigorous person, as the word "lamb" was used metaphorically to describe such an individual. Alternatively, it may have been occupational, indicating a shepherd or someone who kept sheep. In medieval Europe, it was common for people to be identified by their profession.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lamb

The meaning and origin of the last name Lamb

The surname Lamb has Anglo-Saxon origins, deriving from the Old English word "hlaefma," which means "loaf-kneader" or "baker." It is thought to be an occupational name for someone who prepared and baked bread. However, it could also have been a nickname given to someone with a round, plump face, similar to that of a lamb, or to someone who was gentle and meek, like a lamb. The surname Lamb is found primarily in England, Ireland, and Scotland, though it may also be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration. It has several variants, such as Lambe, Lamm, Lamberts, and Lambrecht, which have their own unique histories and origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lamb

The surname Lamb is primarily distributed across several regions in the English-speaking world due to its Old English origin. Historically, it was most prevalent in England, particularly in counties such as Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. It also appears frequently in Scotland and Ireland, reflecting Viking and Norman influences. In more recent times, the migration of English and Scottish settlers has led to a significant presence of the name in North America, notably in the United States and Canada. The name is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where it was carried by early European colonizers. Today, Lamb remains a relatively common surname in these regions but can be found sporadically across other parts of the globe as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lamb

The surname Lamb can appear in various forms, often due to regional spelling differences or phonetic interpretations over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Lamb - This is the standard English spelling.
2. Lamm - A version more commonly found in Scandinavian countries and Germany.
3. DeLambe - A French variation that combines de (of) and Lamb.
4. Lambe - An Anglicized variant of Irish or Gaelic surnames containing the word "O'Lamb".
5. Lumme - A Finnish variant, often used in Finland and other Scandinavian countries.
6. Lomb - A version found primarily in Italy, which has a different etymology than the English Lamb.
7. Loomba - A Punjabi surname originating from India that bears some resemblance to Lamb due to the common 'm' and 'b' sounds.
8. Alamb - This is a rare spelling found in some parts of the Middle East, particularly among Arabic or Persian speakers.
9. Llewmb - A Welsh variant, pronounced "Llamm-buh," that might be used by those with strong Welsh heritage.

Famous people with the last name Lamb

Prominent individuals with the surname Lamb include:

1. Dick Lamb (1926-2008), an American broadcast journalist who was known for his work on CBS Radio and TV News.

2. James Lamb (1753-1842), a Scottish-born farmer, merchant, and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada, who served as the first Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

3. James B. Lamb (1906-1988), an American professional football player who played for the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of Vince Lombardi's championship teams in 1961 and 1962.

4. John Henry Lamb (1873-1927), an African American painter, sculptor, and printmaker. He is best known for his paintings of nudes.

5. Samuel D. Lamb (born 1940), a former American football player who played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He played for six seasons with the San Diego Chargers and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

6. William Edward Lamb (1829-1894), a Canadian politician who served as the 7th Prime Minister of Canada from 1873 to 1874, and again from 1891 to 1894. He was also Ontario's first Premier.

7. William Ralph Jameson Lamb (1856-1934), a British diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom from 1919 to 1921. During his tenure, he played a key role in negotiating the Versailles Treaty and the Treaty of Sèvres.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields including journalism, politics, sports, and arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Lamb

The surname Lamb is of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English word "lamb" meaning 'young sheep'. The name was originally an occupational name for a shepherd or a metonymic occupational name for a butcher specializing in mutton, which comes from the same root.

Lamb is one of the oldest known surnames in England, with early records dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where various forms of the name appear, such as "Hamon filius Lamphege" and "Walter Lambe". Over time, the spelling of the name has varied significantly due to factors like regional dialects and literacy levels. Variations include Lamb, Leamb, Leam, Laum, Lawme, and more.

The earliest known immigrants bearing the surname Lamb arrived in North America in the 17th century, with many settling in the colonies of Virginia and Massachusetts. Among these early American Lamberts were John Lamb, who came to Virginia in 1635, and Samuel Lamb, who settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1638.

Today, the surname Lamb is most prevalent in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Notable individuals with the name include actor Ralph Lamb, politician David Lamb, and musician Ian Astbury.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lamb"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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